Mental Sharpness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise Could Offer Protection
Step right up, folks! Here's the scoop on the MedWalk study: This ongoing research aims to determine whether combining the Mediterranean diet and regular walking can reduce the risk of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's dementia, and slow cognitive decline in individuals aged 60-90. The study was initially envisioned to span two years, but due to the ol' COVID-19 pandemic, it's been shortened to a single year and expanded the participant pool.
The brainiacs behind this experiment call it the "MedWalk intervention" because it's a tantalizing blend of the Mediterranean diet (fancy Mediterranean eats combined with plenty of pacing)! They've been Publishing their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease so the world can keep track of what's going on.
Now, you might be wondering, "What's in it for me?" Well, if things go as planned, this MedWalk thing could help you bump up your memory game, boost your learning, and even improve your mood and quality of life. But that's not all, my friends! This magical mix could also do great stuff for your heart health and arterial stiffness.
But wait! There's more! This study's not just about memory and mood; it's about exploring the impact of MedWalk on a whole bunch of things, including overall health costs and the biomarkers associated with cognitive decline. Think glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Plus, participants in the study are either assigned to the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, but don't worry, every participant receives some hot extra-virgin olive oil and other goodies since the Mediterranean diet is all about that fancy vino and fresh seafood. And, talk about support, these participants get intensive coaching for the first 6 months with tutoring remaining available for the next 6 months to help keep everyone on track.
Experts in the field, like Conner Middelmann, certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, have chimed in on this MedWalk business. Middelmann recognizes some strong connections between following a Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia based on past studies. But remember, a balanced diet is just one cog in the machine; other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, all play a role in dementia risk.
Walking is a whole other game! A study found that taking 10,000 steps a day reduces dementia risk by 50%, and other research links walking speed with dementia and shows that aerobic exercise can improve cognitive function. Brain health coach Ryan Glatt adds that walking may increase blood flow to the brain, boost levels of brain activity, reduce stress, and improve feelings of well-being.
So, what's the plan with this MedWalk study? Well, by the end of next year (2023), the data-collecting will be completed. Stay tuned for those sweet, scrumptious results!
- The ongoing MedWalk study investigates the potential combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to lower the risk of Alzheimer's dementia, slow cognitive decline, and enhance brain, heart health, and overall well-being in individuals aged 60-90.
- Scientific findings indicate that taking 10,000 steps a day could decrease the risk of dementia by half, while other research highlights the connection between walking speed and dementia, as well as the improvement of cognitive function with aerobic exercise.
- The researchers working on the MedWalk intervention publish their processes and findings in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, keeping the public informed about the study's progress.
- The MedWalk intervention is a unique blend of the Mediterranean diet, which includes fancy Mediterranean cuisine and plenty of walking, with the ultimate goal of reducing dementia risk and slowing cognitive decline.
- Participants in the MedWalk study are either assigned to the intervention group or a control group, receiving extra-virgin olive oil and other goodies related to the Mediterranean diet, in addition to intensive coaching for the first six months and ongoing support for continuity.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann recognizes the link between following a Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risk, but emphasizes that maintaining a balanced diet alone is not enough, as various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, contribute to dementia risk.
